The Importance of Pipeline Integrity Management

Pipeline Integrity Management enables pipeline operators to identify corrosion, vulnerable sites and the time to failure owing to corrosion rate giving the operators better insights.

FREMONT, CA: The degree to which pipes and related components are free of defects or damage is pipeline integrity (PI). Pipelines are kept safe for use by maintaining PI throughout their lifecycle (from design to fabrication, pipeline commissioning, pipeline maintenance/repairs, and pipeline decommissioning). The most significant risk in natural gas and crude oil pipelines, for example, is fire outbreaks or explosions caused by leakage and combustion in the air, which can result in loss of life or property damage. Gas leaks can potentially be harmful if ingested, or they can release toxic fumes or vapors into the surrounding environment.

Evaluation

Pipeline assessment entails close inspection of pipeline internal and external sections, profile computation, flow modeling, determining corrosion rate, risk status, and other tasks. Identifying internal and external faults or damage allows specialists to assess pipeline conditions and plan for remediation before problems occur. Pipeline corrosion profiles can be evaluated using software tools, and inspection and monitoring data are real-time. Surveillance cameras and sensors, fiber-optic cables, and temperature sensors placed on or near pipelines can also be used to detect leaks and avoid risks.

Planning for pipeline integrity

A pipeline integrity management plan encompasses all pipeline maintenance or repair actions, such as defining operations and procedures, inspections, maintenance, pipeline monitoring, and corrosion prevention. Route planning entails assessing the proposed right-of-way and the environmental impact on the surrounding area.

Pipeline integrity management goals

Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations contains PIM regulations for pipeline integrity companies in the United States (CFR). Pipelines used to transmit hazardous liquids or gases at high pressures are subject to the same pipeline safety rules.

- To boost public trust in pipeline safety.

- To control pipeline integrity and improve operator management, analytical, and operational operations.

- To strengthen the government's control of operator integrity management plans and processes.

- Conduct pipeline integrity assessments in areas where a pipeline leak or failure might have serious repercussions.

Components of pipeline integrity management plan

It helps to identify high-risk locations (HCA). HCAs are areas along a pipeline's right-of-way that potentially result in substantial casualties if an explosion occurs. Examples are densely populated human settlements and facilities or regions that are difficult to evacuate, such as hospitals, jails, and schools.

- Identification of threats and risk assessment

- Risk analysis determines the possibility of an event occurring and its possible severity and consequences.

- To conduct pipeline integrity assessments in areas where a pipeline leak or collapse could have serious repercussions.